Angel Coming
Written by: Heather Henson
Illustrated by: Susan Gaber
Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers an imprint of Simon &Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. 2005
Age: 3 – 8 years
Theme: patience, new baby, waiting, preparation
First Lines: Mama says an angel is coming, coming clear up the mountain, riding clear up Lonesome Creek, a tiny babe tucked in her saddlebag, a tiny babe tucked safe and warm.
Synopsis: Through the eyes of a young girl we are caught up in the preparing for a new baby in the 1920’s. A small Kentucky community rallies round waiting for the arrival, celebrating and preparing for the special event. Heather shares a beautiful story of anticipation and preparation of a special event with rhythmic text accompanied by Susan’s soft painted illustrations. A historical fiction both Heather and Susan depicting the era well.
What I liked: I love how the text reads with a kind of swagger, an outback feel. I loved one special illustration near the end, of the father leaning on the bed tickling the baby’s foot as both baby and mother are resting. Very cute! This would be a great story read aloud to kids, especially if there is a new baby brother or sister on the way. This story was written in relation to a saying, when in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky, if a child asked where babies came from, the unique reply was always – babies are brought up the steep paths , tucked in saddlebags, carried by an angel on horseback. Which is no more true than – carried by stork or found in a cabbage patch.
Illustrations a beautifully done giving depth to a story of a young girl who hoped for a sister, the girl readily accepts her little brother, declaring, “Can’t help but love him just the same.”
Resources/Findings: There is an Author’s Note in the back along with original photos supplied by the Frontier Nursing Service who worked during that time.
Heather’s website and other books… http://heatherhensonbooks.com/?page_id=138
Here’s a lovely website with great ideas for preparing toddlers and older children for the arrival of a new baby…. http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/prepare-children
Pop over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
This book looks lovely, Diane! I love the sound of the text you quoted, and this unique explanation for where babies come from! What a great addition to our list!
Thank you Susanna, it is a lovely book. The text is very rhythmic and illustrations gorgeous. I myself have never heard of that saying.. 🙂
Another baby book! How lovely. This one I must get tomorrow on my library run. (In fact, I try and get most of the books featured on PPBF the next day.) 🙂
I love that it is historical fiction, which i adore. And folk tales from Kentucky are the best. 🙂
Thank you, Clar. It’s a gorgeous book and like you I love historical fiction. Enjoy!
That COVER! I put this on hold before I read the review!
LOL.. I see! I don’t blame you, it is gorgeous. Enjoy, Julie!
Yes, I love that cover. Although Kentucky is just south of me, I had never heard that saying about babies coming up the path in a saddlebag. Lovely folk tale.
Thank you, Pat. I had never heard of that saying. Very unusual. It is a lovely folk tale so I just had to share. 🙂 Take care!
I love the links! And the art is just beautiful. This looks like a winner. Thanks.
Glad you approve, Joanne. It is gorgeous, enjoy!
I’ve never heard this version of where babies come from! I like the lyrical excerpt.
Nor have I Wendy. It is quite unique and in such a gorgeous book, I just had to share. Have a great weekend.
Wendy, I have tried to post on your blog, but it just will not let me 😦 Not sure what I am doing wrong.
Folk heritage stories are always so charming and the illustrations look amazing.
Yes, I agree, Laura. I too love the illustrations.
I love this Kentucky saying/tradition and all the girl’s anticipation in the cover!
Glad you like it Joanna. The cover is lovely. Thanks!
This sounds like a perfect book for a family with or expecting a new baby. Thanks for the review.
Your welcome, Rosi. Nice to see you here.
How adorable. I love that she accepts her little brother with love. I wrote a story about the time my youngest brother arrived.
Hi Darlene, It is a sweet story. Oh my, you wrote a story, that sounds so cool. I would love to read that. Maybe you could turn it into a pb? 🙂
Such a lovely cover! Wow! The story must be good. Thanks for sharing!
Your welcome rhythm. It is lovely!
Those images are just breathtaking. Wow!
Your very welcome Kirsten. It is a gorgeous read.
Wonderful! 😀
Thank you Erik. 🙂
Illustrations look interesting, and I always enjoy when a writer puts their own spin on a local saying or myth. Thanks for this Diane. Can we get it at our library?
Your welcome, Allie. Nice to see you. Yep, should be able to.